We all love our household pets, but we don’t love the mess they leave behind, especially when it comes to frequent carpet cleaning episodes. Here are some tips to continue having a nice looking carpet, while still loving Fido or Fluffy.
Reduce the Mess
Loose pet hair becomes a growing problem if not eliminated quickly. The first step is to frequently brush your cat or dog, and give them a bath when needed to reduce odors.
Pet hair tends to stick to carpet and furniture, so use the right tools to remove it. Use a vacuum with a quality brush roller to loosen the hair from the carpet. For most types of furniture, try the suction power of your vacuum to remove pet hair, but you may also need a small, rake-like brush to loosen and lift the hair from the upholstery fibers. Sometimes, plain old tape rubbed against the grain of the fabric helps for quick hair pickups.
Get Rid of Stains
If Fido is learning the fine art of bathroom training, you probably have your fair share of messes to deal with. Remember to remove the unwanted messes as quickly as possible, without rubbing into the carpeting.
Reduce the strong odor of pet urine by diluting with water first – rub the area with a damp cloth. Grandma used white vinegar for a variety of household uses, and a very mild dilution of vinegar with water will neutralize the odor. Test in a hidden area of your carpet or upholstery first to be sure there’s no fabric damage or dye bleeding. Pet stores sell odor neutralizer products also, and you may find one that works well for your pet messes.
Know When to Get Help
It’s a good idea to have a professional carpet cleaning twice a year if you have children and pets. But, if Fido has been particularly difficult, consider short cleaning visits between times. The professional carpet cleaners at ServiceMaster by the Border know which cleaning supplies work best for pet messes, and can keep your carpet looking great all year long!